Summer Skin Care - What You Need to Stay Safe in the Sun

Posted on 4/8/2010 2:56:26 PM

Summertime is upon us and with us spending more time under the Summer sun, skin care is extremely important.

Over one million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer and 90 percent of those cancers will be the result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds. UV rays penetrate into the dermis and generate free radicals that can alter our DNA, the genetic material of all living cells.

In reasonable amounts, exposure to the sun is beneficial. Natural sunlight has a germicidal effect and produces vitamin D in the skin. UV radiation can be used to treat rickets, psoriasis, and acne. Exposure to UV rays also stimulates the skin's production of melanin, which causes a tan and helps protect the skin from further damage. But deep tanning is another matter, and although a deep tan may look healthy, it is really a sign that the skin is under attack from UV radiation.

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